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972-252-7476 or 800-247-8464
IRVING, Texas (February 2008) - The City of Irving recently honored 32-year Irving resident Gerri Kunstadt as a High Spirited Citizen. Kunstadt has been an active participant in a variety of organizations throughout our city.
An educator by trade, Kunstadt taught math for 22 years at Crockett Middle School and Irving High School. Very active with the Parent Teacher Association in Irving, she was the PTA President at Lively Elementary for eight years, served as a board member with the Crockett PTA for six years and Irving High PTA for seven years, and was also a member of the City Council PTA for six years. For all of her efforts, it should come as no surprise that she was inducted as a Texas PTA Life Member in 1991, their highest honor. Since her retirement from the classroom, Kunstadt has served with the State of Texas Retired Teacher Association and voluntarily tutors children in math at various schools in Irving.
In addition to being a trustee and benefactor of the Irving Symphony Orchestra, Kunstadt has also been involved with the Symphony League, serving as chair of the Junior and Senior Symphony Belles. A past chair for the Irving Schools Foundation's Breakfast with the Stars, Kunstadt currently serves as the Foundation's vice president of grants and scholarships, a position she's held for several years.
Kunstadt is also a member of the Las Colinas Women's Association, the Irving Healthcare Foundation Guild, the DFW Humane Society, and serves as a board member for Irving's Junior Book Club and Women of Rotary, an organization she once led as president.
Gerri is a thoughtful, involved leader of leaders" said Irving City Councilman Joe Philipp, who nominated her for the award. "She is recognized for her compassion, commitment and her creativity in organizations, giving much to others yet expecting little in return for her volunteer work."
The High Spirited Citizen program was initiated in 1988 by the Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau. Its purpose is to encourage the spirit of volunteerism. To date, more than 400 of Irving's "unsung" heroes have been honored with the award. To nominate an Irving resident for the award, contact Jane Kilburn at 972-252-7476 or download an application form at www.irvingtexas.com/media/high-spirited-citizens/